The parasite protein STEVOR (Subtelomeric Variable Open Reading frame) is an erythrocyte-binding protein recognizing Glycophorin C on the red blood cell (RBC) surface. The cytoplasmic domain of STEVOR is shown to interact with ankyrin complex at the erythrocyte skeleton. It is phosphorylated by protein kinase A (PKA) at a specific serine residue (S324). The N-terminal semi-conserved region of Stevor that is present in this domain is shown to specifically bind to to a chymotrypsin-resistant RBC receptor. The expression of STEVOR in multiple parasite stages including merozoites suggests that STEVOR mediates multiple distinct functions in parasitic infectious cycle.
Jiyao W et al.(2023). "The conserved domain database in 2023.",